THE ANSWERS by Catherine LaceyOne of Buzzfeed’s “Exciting New Books You Need To Read This Summer” with two starred reviews! “Startling and stunning and compulsively strange, Lacey’s sophomore novel is a haunting investigation into the nature of love. With otherworldly precision and subtle wit, Lacey creates a gently surreal dreamscape that’s both intoxicating and profound. A singular novel; as unexpected as it is rich.” — Kirkus Reviews, starred review

GRIEF COTTAGE by Gail GodwinOne of Buzzfeed’s “Thrillers You Will Devour This Summer” with two starred reviews! The haunting tale of a desolate cottage, a tragic accident, and the hair-thin junction between this life and the next, from bestselling National Book Award finalist Godwin. “With intriguingly eccentric supporting characters and a dramatic setting, Godwin’s riveting and wise story of the slow coalescence of trust and love between a stoic artist and a grieving boy, and of nature’s glory and indifference, subtly and insightfully explores different forms of haunting and vulnerability, strength and survival. Word will spread quickly about Godwin’s tender and spellbinding supernatural novel.” — Booklist, starred reviewreadmoreremove

COME SUNDOWN by Nora Roberts
When Mustang-tough Bodine Longbow’s long-missing aunt returns to the family ranch in Montana 25 years later with a story of abduction and abuse, Bodine realizes that something really bad is lurking in the mountains. “Roberts always tells a good story that balances romance and suspense, but in this title, the narrative is deeper, the mystery is more layered, and with Alice, Roberts moves into another level of exploring physical and emotional trauma and the powerful balm of family and love.” — Kirkus Reviews, starred review

SO MUCH BLUE by Percival Everett
“An artist ponders a painting he wants to keep private along with the back stories that inspired it, the secrets that continue to haunt him. Everett continues to wrestle with issues such as artistic identity and inspiration, the relation between artists and their art, the notions of what a narrator reveals and conceals, but rarely have the results been as engrossing as this.” — Kirkus Reviews, starred review

EXTRAORDINARY ADVENTURES by Daniel Wallace
From the New York Times bestselling author of BIG FISH comes a novel about an ordinary man who wins a free weekend at a beachfront condo in Destin, Florida, and has seventy-nine days to find someone to take with him (ideally, his true love). “Witty, winsome, and wise, Wallace’s tale of pluck and luck is a sweet, satisfying diversion.” — Booklistreadmoreremove

Washington Post reporter Souad Mekhennet is a German-born Muslim of Moroccan and Turkish descent, and she uses the balance between the Muslim and Western sides of her life to provide a mediating voice between these cultures, which too often misunderstand each other.

“A riveting memoir and a literary bombshell that effectively eviscerates every preconception, misconception, and prejudice readers have about the Arab world, I WAS TOLD TO COME ALONE reinforces the singular significance of journalism, especially foreign journalism, at a time when it is facing its greatest challenges. Compelling, insightful, and shockingly relevant, Mekhennet’s chronicle is a must-read and nothing less than a revelation.” — Booklist, starred review

“Washington Post correspondent Mekhennet offers a spellbinding fusion of history, memoir, and reportage in this enthralling account of her personal experience as a journalist and a Muslim on assignment in Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. The value of this work lies in Mekhennet’s commitment to ‘not taking any side, but speaking to all sides and challenging them.’” — Publishers Weekly, starred review

“The thrilling narrative brings up critical, persuasive insights while trying to answer the questions of where terrorism comes from and why it’s so difficult to eradicate. For readers who are interested in modern politics, the Middle East, journalism, or strong female voices.” — Library Journal, starred reviewreadmoreremove

From contemporary to urban fiction, these three new books by African American writers are perfect for patrons who love romance and drama:

AND THEN THERE WAS ME by Sadeqa Johnson
The story of Bea, a woman wrestling with motherhood, an unfaithful husband, and a friend who may not be who she seems, all while trying to make sense of her new neighborhood. “Combining the warmth and sisterhood of Terry McMillan’s novels and the tragedies and healing of those from Kristin Hannah, this book should find a wide, satisfied readership.” — Booklist

THE STREETS HAVE NO KING by JaQuavis Coleman
After 7 years of prison, multi-millionaire drug mogul Kane Garrett is back on the streets, but this time he’s teaching a college class, infusing business principles with his signature ruthless edge he developed in the streets. When a student—and heavy heroin dealer—named Basil catches Kane’s eye, Kane takes him on as a protégé and together, they build the biggest, smartest drug trafficking business the state has ever seen. But when Basil meets Moriah, Kane’s only daughter, lines get crossed and their dominant business union becomes a deadly rivalry. readmoreremove

Drama, mystery, romance, and more abound in these new and forthcoming urban fiction titles:

THE CARTEL 6: THE DEMISE by Ashley & JaQuavis
The Cartel’s plan to open a casino will rake in cash, but comes with great sacrifice: a dead girl, a scorned wife, traitors, and one hole in the desert will launch a chain of catastrophic events and a fight with the Arabian mob. “The story’s turns and surprises, paired with its unflinching studies of emotional pain and physical pleasure make this an excellent, exciting read for newcomers, longtime Cartel followers, and all urban-lit fans.” — Booklist

THE REAL MRS. PRICE by J.D. Mason
Two women, both married to the same man, come together to find out where he is—and who he really is. “Mason writes a murky whodunit with a touch of the supernatural… Push this one to readers who enjoy an atmospheric novel with plenty of twists and turns.” — Library Journal

DIAMONDS AND PEARL by K’wan
In this street lit take on Romeo and Juliet, a young gangster in New Orleans falls for the daughter of a Harlem drug kingpin. “The author of HOOD RAT and GUTTER excels in his latest title, and his ear for street slang remains sharp and on point. The abrupt ending leaves readers thirsty for more. Let’s hope there’s a sequel in the mix as this is one of the top urban fiction novels of the year.” — Library Journal, starred review & pick of the month

LUXE TWO: A LaLa Land Addiction by Ashley Antoinette
In this sequel to LUXE, Bleu Montclair is addicted to the luxe life and it has led her down a road of self-destruction. Now two separate loves want to rescue her—will she let them? Or will she be lost to her addictions? “Throughout the novel, Antoinette provides a sobering viewpoint of addiction and how drug use destroys not just one life but whole families. On her own or as part of the popular married urban fiction duo Ashley and JaQuavis, Antoinette is one of the genre’s hottest writers. Buy multiple copies to meet demand.” — Library Journal

Now on to the books!

THE HAZEL WOOD by Melissa AlbertAvailable January 30, 2018Ages 12 to 19

Two starred reviews! Welcome to The Hazel Wood, Melissa Albert’s fierce, captivating, contemporary fantasy about a seventeen-year-old girl who must venture into the world behind a pitch-dark, cult-classic, collection of fairy tales to save her mother… “A ferocious young woman is drawn into her grandmother’s sinister fairy-tale realm in this pitch-black fantasy debut.” — Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Ava and Gen are two best friends heading off to their first semesters of college on opposite sides of the country. From first loves to weird roommates, heartbreak, self-discovery, coming out and mental health, the two document every moment in a series of texts and emails to each other. But as each changes and grows into her new life, will their friendship be able to survive the distance?

FREEKS by Amanda Hocking
Ages 12 to 18“This fun paranormal romance, wrapped up in a circus-tent setting, is recommended where the genre and the author’s books are popular. Hand to fans of Twilight and MTV’s Teen Wolf.” — School Library Journal

THE RADIUS OF US by Marie Marquardt
Ages 13 to 19“While the teens’ relationship is tested when details from Phoenix’s past coincide with Gretchen’s case, a host of diverse characters lend a hand and offer varying perspectives. [An] …eye-opening story. ” — Kirkus Reviews

WINTERSONG by S. Jae-Jones
Ages 12 to 18
Set at the turn of the 19th century, this richly imagined debut coming-of-age story spins a spellbinding tale perfect for fans of Labyrinth and THE DARKEST PART OF THE FOREST as a young woman searches for her sister who was kidnapped by the Goblin King. “There are plenty of nods to Labyrinth, but atmospherically, this first novel is most similar to another debut: Robin McKinley’s BEAUTY. …this is an exquisitely and lyrically crafted tale of longing, sibling loyalty, and the importance of women in a time when women were so often overlooked. Eerie, unsettling, and, above all, full of music.” — Booklist, starred review

A CROWN OF WISHES by Roshani Chokshi
Ages 13 to 18
In this second beautiful, lush fantasy from New York Times bestselling author Chokshi, Gauri, the princess of Bharata, must team up with her enemy kingdom’s prince Vikram to win the Tournament of Wishes—a competition held in a mythical city where the Lord of Wealth promises a wish to the victor. “Careful plotting, multiple viewpoints, high-stakes action, and a slow-burn relationship make this heady fantasy completely engrossing. A first pick for YA collections.” — School Library Journal, starred review

GIVE ME A K-I-L-L by R.L. Stine (Fear Street series #6)Ages 14 to 18
Heather Wyatt just transferred from her old school, where she was a cheerleading star, and is eager to join the squad at Shadyside High. There’s only one other girl who stands in her way—rich, spoiled Devra Dalby, who is also trying out for the one open slot. The competition is anything but friendly—and it ends in murder.

DEAR READER by Mary O’ConnellAges 12 to 18Gilmore Girls with magical realism! In this original, poignant modern-day take on Wuthering Heights, a high school senior searches for her teacher and meets a boy who may just be Heathcliff come to life. “The use of Wuthering Heights intensifies the impact of Flannery and Miss Sweeney’s corresponding journeys; even readers who haven’t read the classic will find significance in the parallels.” — Publishers Weekly

CARRY ON by Rainbow Rowell (ages 13-19) is now available in trade paperback.

SONGS ABOUT A GIRL by Chris Russell Ages 12 to 18
Charlie Bloom is happiest behind her camera, taking pictures of her former classmate Olly Samson’s new band, Fire&Lights. Soon, they’re the hottest boy band in the country and Charlie becomes caught between Olly and Fire&Lights’ gorgeous but damaged frontman, Gabriel West. As the boys’ rivalry threatens to tear the band apart, Charlie stumbles on a secret about the band—and herself—hidden within the lyrics of their new #1 single. “Confronting the fickleness of fame and the damaging effects of rumors and harassment, Russell’s debut is highly relevant in an age of social media furors and the constant churn of news.” — Publishers Weekly

LOCK IN by John Scalzi
Scalzi’s near-future thriller landed on the August 2014 LibraryReads list and received three starred pre-publication reviews, like this one from Kirkus: “This SF thriller provides yet more evidence that Scalzi is a master at creating appealing commercial fiction.”